Product and controller use
I am having a hard time getting the controller set up for the Arduino and com port?
Go to arduino.cc and look under installations and find the help section.Make sure you have unzipped the Arduino files and loaded the driver like is shown in the video in our How to section.
Can I still use my controller as a manual remote?
Yes, set the push button switch to manual mode and use it a regular remote control as before.Remember GREEN light is computer mode RED is for manual mode.
In manual mode (no computer used) can I use the computer codes?
No, those are exclusive to the computer program itself
Is the range of the remote affected by the modification?
No, we have tested up to 800ft line of site with no change in reliability.
Do I have to buy a S12-C if I already have a S12?
No, you send us your current S12 and it will be upgraded, to the S12-C, at current pricing.
Do you carry used units in stock?
No, we have complete new S12-C units or you can send us your S12 for upgrade to computer control.
Do I have to use the Dead-man switch to fire without using the computer?
No, your unit in manual mode will operate as it used to before the upgrade.
Whats the difference between the standard and upgraded deadman switches?
Comfort and price, the standard switch is good for general use and smaller shows, the switch is somewhat lighter duty, for the backyard pyro doing a few show a year this switch is fine. The Upgraded switch is a pistol grip type, that is easier to hold for long shows and is designed for repeated use (and abuse) and last for many years, the switches are rated for over 1/2 million cycles.
Warranty and service
What is covered under warranty?
Parts and labor are covered for hardware and installation for a period of 1 year from date of purchase. These include:
*Micro controller and electronic parts
* Dead man switch assembly
*External USB, XLR ports and all switches.
* Internal wiring
It does not cover:
Damage resulting from misuse, neglect, water, fire, storm damage, unauthorized modifications, act's of god,
act's of terrorism, act's of war.
Parts and service
If your unit needs parts or service after the warranty period, please contact us and we will send you a quote for repair or repair parts.
Setup and using the program
My system won't connect using the connect button?
Check your com port settings, go to options and click on output, enter the com # the computer has assigned to the controller. viewable in the hardware section of Windows. Also try unplugging the Usb cable and reconnect it.
My show won't fire?
You must connect the remote in the program and arm the system when ready to fire.
You must also hold your dead-man switch closed or no information will be sent to the systems.
What is the fastest timing I can use between cues?
For the E-match program it is .65sec timing between firing events
For the Clip style program it is 1.25sec between firing events. These timing were adopted for reliable transmission of the data stream. For faster timings a sequencer can be employed separately for greater speed and reliability.
How do I upgrade the firmware for the controller ?
You will receive an e-mail reguarding any upgrades to the firmware, then using the Arduino software, upload the new firmware. Use the how to videos as your guide
When running either the clip or the match program, what does the S12C do
when it encounters cue times that are closer together than the fire
time? Does it :
A) Ignore the event that comes too soon after the first event and finish the firing pulse for the first event, skip the next?
No, it won't skip it unless you have many commands too close together. See answer C
B) Cut short the pulse from the first event and send a pulse for the second event at full length?
The bank and fire commands pulses will always be the same, See answer C
C) Finish the complete pulse for the first event, then piggy back a full- length pulse for the second event as soon as possible?
Yes, the micro processor has a certain amount of buffer memory
built in, so if the unit gets a few commands closer in time then it can
process according to it's programming structure, it will store those
commands until the next event. Now with that being said, if you program
30cue's at .25 sec apart, there is a chance the you can send the
microprocessor into buffer overrun and loose memory of commands and such
you will have cues not fire.
Can I import a script from Finale pro or Business?
Yes go to outr Tips and Tricks section, you will find a great tutorial writeup by an owner on how to do this.
